Dove Valley – Never one to stand around and watch everybody else get players, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan acquired the 22nd pick in the fourth round and made a controversial selection.

The Broncos gave Minnesota their sixth- and seventh-round picks this year, and also a third-round pick next year to get University of Florida defensive tackle Marcus Thomas.

Denver currently has no more picks in the 2007 NFL draft.

Thomas, a 6-foot-3, 314-pounder from Florida, played in only five games during the Gators’ national championship team before being kicked off the squad.

Florida coach Urban Meyer dismissed Thomas for “failing to meet responsibilities and obligations” – three weeks after he was reinstated from a two-game suspension for testing positive for marijuana.

Entering his senior season and before the suspensions, Thomas was projected as a potential first-round draft choice. He started four of the five games he played in 2006, recording 26 tackles, including 5 1/2 for losses and four sacks.

“We had Marcus in here a few weeks ago and he spent time with me and the rest of the coaches,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. “I know there is going to be a lot of questions about (him) being suspended from Florida.

“But at this time, I feel Marcus is probably one of the luckiest guys. He had a coach (Florida’s Urban Meyer) who had a strict policy. He obviously failed some of those tests. He comes in here knowing that there is no second chance in the National Football League.

“He’s a good football player, a guy who we think a lot of. I think he would have been a first-round draft choice (if not for the suspensions),” Shanahan added. “He’s a natural leader. If he doesn’t live by our guidelines, he’ll be gone. But I’d be very surprised (if that happens). I have a very good gut about the guy.”

Thomas, strong in the upper body and stout at the point of attack, is considered a good fit for the system being devised by new Broncos defensive coordinator Jim Bates.

Revamping Denver’s defensive line obviously was a priority in this draft. With their first two picks, the Broncos selected defensive ends Jarvis Moss of Florida and Tim Crowder of Texas.

While the first day of the NFL draft builds interest, it can be said that the second day builds football teams.

The second day, rounds four through seven, is where NFL coaches, scouts and general managers earn their money. The talent of a JaMarcus Russell, Adrian Peterson or Patrick Willis jumps of the game film. But finding a sleeper or diamond in the rough in the later rounds becomes an art form.

Entering Sunday, the Broncos did not have picks in the fourth or fifth rounds. They dealt to the Vikings the second pick in the sixth round (No. 176 overall) and the 23rd pick in the seventh round (No. 233) as well as next year’s third-round pick to choose Thomas.

In recent years, Denver found center Greg Eslinger, punter Paul Ernster, tight end Jeb Putzier and running back Mike Anderson in the sixth or seventh rounds.

With Denver having selected two defensive ends and an offensive lineman on Saturday, remaining positions of need today could include cornerback, running back and safety. With Thomas, the team addressed defensive tackle.

“We needed some depth at the defensive tackle position,” Shanahan said. “When Marcus was there in the middle of the fourth round, we just couldn’t pass it up.”

Staff writer Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.

BRONCOS’ DRAFT SELECTIONS FROM SATURDAY

Vital statistics: 15 sacks and 22 tackles behind the line of scrimmage in past 24 games. … Had two sacks and caused a fumble in Florida’s BCS title game victory over Ohio State. … Had three sacks against LSU last season. … Blocked two kicks in the same quarter against South Carolina last season.

Honors: Parade All-American at Ryan High School in Denton, Texas. … Twice Southeastern Conference defensive lineman of the week in 2006.

High school days: USA Today first-team All-American. … Ranked No. 25 overall prospect by Rivals.com. … Team was 30-1 in his two seasons.

Upside: Some people say he has “freakish” combination of size and speed. … A quick burst. … Natural pass-rushing ability. … Played big in big games.

Question marks: Has been hurt a lot. … Not a lot of college experience. … Still learning to play against the run. … Was suspended for a game for marijuana use last season.

2007 projection: The Broncos will be disappointed if he doesn’t become an instant contributor and give the team a much-needed pass rush.

FYI: He had a sack of Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, while Cutler was playing at Vanderbilt in 2005.

Vital statistics: Had 10.5 sacks in 2006, the most by a Longhorn in 22 years … Started the final 47 games of his college career. … Had 18 tackles behind the line of scrimmage in 2006. … Had seven tackles behind the line of scrimmage against Rice in 2006.

Honors: All-Texas as a senior at John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas. … 2006 finalist for the Hendricks Award. … Second-team All-American in 2006.

High school days: Had 127 tackles and 14 sacks as a senior. … Pitched and played first base on baseball team.

Upside: Complete player. … Strong. … A natural leader.

Question mark: Can be inconsistent. … Needs to tighten technique.

2007 projection: He will have the chance to help at a need position right away.

FYI: Attended same high school as Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell.

Vital statistics: One of the few Irish players to start his entire career, 45 games. … Played right tackle in first eight games as a freshman, then switched to left tackle. … Irish coach Charlie Weis called Harris one of the best pure left tackles in the NCAA.

Honors: First-team All-Freshman. … Notre Dame lineman of the year as a sophomore.

High school days: Protected current Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer in high school. Mauer was the quarterback. … First-team USA Today All-American.

Upside: Complete player. … Smart. … Good quickness.

Question mark: Motivation has been questioned. … Needs to get stronger.

2007 projection: Will back up Matt Lepsis at left tackle. He is insurance should Lepsis have trouble returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Lepsis, though, is on track.

FYI: He also is a practicing Muslim who once appeared on the MTV reality show “True Life.”

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